Notes from Presentation by Strategic Planning Branch, Sustainable Growth and Planning, Sunshine Coast Council
The presentation delivered by Stephen and James was clear, interesting and thought provoking. It also helped us all better understand the complexities of strategic planning and the risk of people being complacent about the environment they have chosen to live in, to understand the impacts of change and to recognise the importance of getting involved.
Update on the 2014 Planning Scheme review — it was the biggest community engagement ever undertaken by Council to date. There were 75,000 visits to the “have your say’ 2024 Planning Scheme proposal site and 4,500 submissions to Council. With each submission being read by a qualified planner, staff are now working through 1,700 pages of responses. 1% [40] of those were from the people of Yandina. The time and effort put into the submission from YADCA on behalf of the community represented in its membership was highlighted and acknowledged.
State Planning Reforms — The State Government is currently reviewing the South East Queensland Regional Plan, SEQ Infrastructure Plan and the State Government Planning Policy which underpins and increases the delay and finalisation of our local Planning Scheme.
Yandina SEQ Development Area — This is an area of land identified in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 (Shaping SEQ). It is a 36 hectare growth area that aims to manage regional population demands while balancing Yandina’s local heritage.
The area of land, which expands Yandina’s urban footprint north as far as Lees Road, is also bounded by Brandons Rd and Browns Creek Rd. It is not considered large in comparison to other Greenfield sites in the region, but is certainly vast in the context of Yandina. Other strategically significant sites being planned include Halls Creek, Beerwah East and Palmview.
As it currently stands, conditioned as a Category 1 Development, how this new Development Area will be integrated into the existing township will be Council led through the development of a Structure Plan in conjunction with community engagement and input. The level of involvement is dependent on community interest and commitment to being involved.
There will be many challenges to be considered and worked through in the areas of transport and infrastructure; water, stormwater and sewerage [currently at capacity, or close to it]; and environmental aspects.
Agricultural Land priorities — Industrial scale greenhouses are the way of the future and are an allowable land use in a rural zone. Generally managed by State Planning Policy industrial scale farming is to be managed to avoid unintended, unreasonable and adverse impacts on local rural residents.
New Planning Scheme — includes improved provisions regarding service stations and improved hazard mapping and codes.
Changing Strategic Context for Yandina — the role of Yandina will change as it grows to 3 times its current size. We will need more and different services and infrastructure. Communication and input from individuals and the community collectively will be critical if we are to give any weight to the vision and structural planning decision making from the beginning.
Close — the forum closed following a Q&A session where it was confirmed that, though being given insights into the factors Council needs to consider when planning for the region’s growth and development, strategic planning can be a complex area.
The presenters, Stephen and James were thanked for the time and effort that went into the presentation and they have confirmed how much they valued the thoughtful questions and discussion from attendees throughout the evening.
